Pyongyang, April 10 (KCNA) -- The IAAF-24th Mangyongdae Prize Marathon took place here on the occasion of the birth anniversary of President Kim Il Sung.

Its opening ceremony was held at Kim Il Sung Stadium on Sunday.

Present there were Choe Ryong Hae, secretary of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, Tong Jong Ho, minister of Construction and Building Materials Industry who is chairing the Marathon Association of the DPRK, and officials concerned, sportspersons and working people in the city of Pyongyang. Marathoners of the DPRK and those from China, Russia, Namibia, South Africa, Sweden, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Kenya were present.

Pak Myong Chol, minister of Physical Culture and Sports, in an opening address expressed belief that this race would contribute to deepening friendship among sportspersons desirous of independence, peace and friendship and jointly developing the marathon technique.

The flag of the race was hoisted to be followed by the race.

Over 300 male and female marathoners left the starting line.

Russian marathoner Marusin Oleg (male) and DPRK marathoner Ro Un Ok (female) took the first place while Kenyan Mwange Morris Mureithi (male) and Korean An Un Suk (female) came second and South African Ngakane David Rasefako (male) and Korean Pak Jong Nyo (female) came third.

Trophy cups, medals and diplomas of merit went to the marathoners who proved successful.